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The Penalty Box Affair
What do you do when the hot younger hockey player you swore you’d stop banging is the perfect revenge date to your ex’s wedding?
Pretend to be a couple. Obviously.
I was going to take the high road. I really was. But Nix needs image rehab before management benches him, and I need a plus-one who proves I’ve moved on to bigger and better things. (Especially the bigger part…)
Besides, we’re adults. We can pretend to be hot for each other without actually getting it on in the great outdoors.
Again. Right before one of my employees strolls through the garden gate and catches us on the back porch…
Oops.
Okay, so mistakes were made.
And made again. And again.
But it’s hard to remember why this is a bad idea when Nix is so…perfect. So funny, smart, and protective. So hot and hot for me in a way that makes a girl think she gave up on love a little too soon.
I’m two fake kisses away from asking him to be the real thing when a family emergency blows our plan to pieces. Suddenly, it isn’t just our hearts on the line.
His career hangs in the balance, my life is under a microscope, and one wrong step could mean we're both in the penalty box for good.
Pretend to be a couple. Obviously.
I was going to take the high road. I really was. But Nix needs image rehab before management benches him, and I need a plus-one who proves I’ve moved on to bigger and better things. (Especially the bigger part…)
Besides, we’re adults. We can pretend to be hot for each other without actually getting it on in the great outdoors.
Again. Right before one of my employees strolls through the garden gate and catches us on the back porch…
Oops.
Okay, so mistakes were made.
And made again. And again.
But it’s hard to remember why this is a bad idea when Nix is so…perfect. So funny, smart, and protective. So hot and hot for me in a way that makes a girl think she gave up on love a little too soon.
I’m two fake kisses away from asking him to be the real thing when a family emergency blows our plan to pieces. Suddenly, it isn’t just our hearts on the line.
His career hangs in the balance, my life is under a microscope, and one wrong step could mean we're both in the penalty box for good.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2026
199 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Lili Valente
165 books4,099 followersVisit Lili at www.lilivalente.com
Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.
*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!
Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.
*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 17, 2026
Fighting fearlessly for love
This heartwarming and spicy fake relationship, age-gap book is the best kind of romance with engaging dialogue and three dimensional characters who grow and includes a real life frustrating societal issue woven throughout the captivating storyline. It will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the big feels. Baylor is a professional hockey player on the new NHL expansion team in NOLA. He’s on thin ice with the team after an incident. Charlotte is a wedding and party planner who is all about perfection and is not interested in a relationship. She and Baylor had one steamy night 3 months ago. He wanted more but she did not. Now however, she wants revenge on her ex and he needs image rehabilitation so they agree to fake date for several months. She gets to go to her ex’s wedding and he gets to calm management’s concerns about his self-control. It’s a win-win fake relationship with an agreement to no feelings. But oh there are all the feelings with these two. All the big, big feelings as their relationship deepens and grows moment by moment and interaction by interaction. I loved that this was not an insta-love story despite the overwhelming insta-lust instead it’s a progressive steady building love as Baylor and Charlotte unpack baggage, share truths, and navigate complicated lives and rumors in order to get to their HEA. I especially loved that this hockey centered romance was more centered around female empowerment and female struggles which made the story more three dimensional and thought provoking with hockey hotness as the backdrop. I am loving this series and the Voodoo team. And the ending teaser makes me so excited for the next book. 4.5 stars.
This heartwarming and spicy fake relationship, age-gap book is the best kind of romance with engaging dialogue and three dimensional characters who grow and includes a real life frustrating societal issue woven throughout the captivating storyline. It will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the big feels. Baylor is a professional hockey player on the new NHL expansion team in NOLA. He’s on thin ice with the team after an incident. Charlotte is a wedding and party planner who is all about perfection and is not interested in a relationship. She and Baylor had one steamy night 3 months ago. He wanted more but she did not. Now however, she wants revenge on her ex and he needs image rehabilitation so they agree to fake date for several months. She gets to go to her ex’s wedding and he gets to calm management’s concerns about his self-control. It’s a win-win fake relationship with an agreement to no feelings. But oh there are all the feelings with these two. All the big, big feelings as their relationship deepens and grows moment by moment and interaction by interaction. I loved that this was not an insta-love story despite the overwhelming insta-lust instead it’s a progressive steady building love as Baylor and Charlotte unpack baggage, share truths, and navigate complicated lives and rumors in order to get to their HEA. I especially loved that this hockey centered romance was more centered around female empowerment and female struggles which made the story more three dimensional and thought provoking with hockey hotness as the backdrop. I am loving this series and the Voodoo team. And the ending teaser makes me so excited for the next book. 4.5 stars.
May 3, 2026
Good Book Club book
This is a well written and edited book. The plotline flows well because there are no editing or format problems to bog down the reader.
The writing is very good. The plot is believable, the characters are lifelike,and the setting is so real that I almost googled a few of the places in the book to see if they were real.
I liked the main characters ,Baylor and Charlotte but what kept me engaged was the subplot . Baylor and Charlotte's story on its own with out the drama of Baylor's sister Beatrice and her ex boyfriend Kia was largely boring.
The masterful way Lili Valente weaves the different problems the characters face into the story , like that of Baylor's "Vigilanteism" with that of his sisters abusive relationship with her ex boyfriend Kia and their band and Baylor's romantic interest with Charlotte , the successful well educated old money woman with the hot jock Hockey player and the difference in their ages kept the book from being another mediocre Jock romance. Though the whole hang up about the age difference between a 40 year old woman, Charlotte, and a 30+ years old man Baylor, became redundant and irritating quickly.
The sub characters of Blue, Beatrice, and Kia were more interesting than the main characters. They really kept me reading as did very real landmarks mentioned in the book also played a large part in making the book as good as it was. I thought that as much as music was mentioned in the book a playlist, a few real life titles, bands, or clubs would've gone a long way. I also thought that a little more description of food would be appreciated by readers as the book was set in New Orleans. I also would have liked more not raccoon based humor.
I am an avid reader. I average one book a day. So far me Baylor and Charlotte's story is not really memorable but all in all its a good book. One that would be good for a romance book club.
This is a well written and edited book. The plotline flows well because there are no editing or format problems to bog down the reader.
The writing is very good. The plot is believable, the characters are lifelike,and the setting is so real that I almost googled a few of the places in the book to see if they were real.
I liked the main characters ,Baylor and Charlotte but what kept me engaged was the subplot . Baylor and Charlotte's story on its own with out the drama of Baylor's sister Beatrice and her ex boyfriend Kia was largely boring.
The masterful way Lili Valente weaves the different problems the characters face into the story , like that of Baylor's "Vigilanteism" with that of his sisters abusive relationship with her ex boyfriend Kia and their band and Baylor's romantic interest with Charlotte , the successful well educated old money woman with the hot jock Hockey player and the difference in their ages kept the book from being another mediocre Jock romance. Though the whole hang up about the age difference between a 40 year old woman, Charlotte, and a 30+ years old man Baylor, became redundant and irritating quickly.
The sub characters of Blue, Beatrice, and Kia were more interesting than the main characters. They really kept me reading as did very real landmarks mentioned in the book also played a large part in making the book as good as it was. I thought that as much as music was mentioned in the book a playlist, a few real life titles, bands, or clubs would've gone a long way. I also thought that a little more description of food would be appreciated by readers as the book was set in New Orleans. I also would have liked more not raccoon based humor.
I am an avid reader. I average one book a day. So far me Baylor and Charlotte's story is not really memorable but all in all its a good book. One that would be good for a romance book club.
March 24, 2026
I never would have thought that Nix was so smart, based on Parker and Makena’s story, until we entered his own book. I was so eager to read it that I finished in just two days, only stopping for breaks to eat and bathe (even though I didn’t really want to take breaks, lol). I loved the chemistry between him and Char, and their story pulled me in completely. I also understand Char on a deeper level, why she was hesitant at first, why she refused him, and how the age gap played into her feelings. I’m glad she realized that age is just a number, and I’m equally glad that Nix learned to control his temper and avoid fights after meeting Char, wanting to be better for her. (Though honestly, I wouldn’t have minded if he punched Bea’s ex, lol.)
I can’t wait for Blue’s book! I really enjoyed this one, my only complaint is that Nix didn’t outright tell Char he loved her too. But in his own way, he did, just not with those exact words. 😫🥺
I can’t wait for Blue’s book! I really enjoyed this one, my only complaint is that Nix didn’t outright tell Char he loved her too. But in his own way, he did, just not with those exact words. 😫🥺
January 28, 2026
Amazing!!
I loved this story of Charlotte and Nix!!! They are so perfect for each other. He's a hothead hockey player, or what seems to be. She's an event planner who has been hurt by an ex. They have a hot night together a while back, one she claims they can't repeat. She asks him to be a fake date to her ex's wedding. Nix is all in, for anything with Charlotte. They can't fight the attraction. Nix makes her see that its worth the risk. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! I absolutely cannot wait for Beatrice and Blue's story!! It's going to be so good!!
I loved this story of Charlotte and Nix!!! They are so perfect for each other. He's a hothead hockey player, or what seems to be. She's an event planner who has been hurt by an ex. They have a hot night together a while back, one she claims they can't repeat. She asks him to be a fake date to her ex's wedding. Nix is all in, for anything with Charlotte. They can't fight the attraction. Nix makes her see that its worth the risk. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! I absolutely cannot wait for Beatrice and Blue's story!! It's going to be so good!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you like a small age-gap, ALL the romantic tension and chemistry, a fake relationship with two people who actually like each other, and no real black moment, THIS book is for you!!
Oooh this one is so good! We know from the last book that these two have serious chemistry. Then we get a fake relationship that's FULL of tension - love that!
THEN! There's suspense! I totally didn't see it coming! I'm not giving more details - I hope you love it, too!
Can't wait for Blue's book!
Oooh this one is so good! We know from the last book that these two have serious chemistry. Then we get a fake relationship that's FULL of tension - love that!
THEN! There's suspense! I totally didn't see it coming! I'm not giving more details - I hope you love it, too!
Can't wait for Blue's book!
January 23, 2026
Reverse age gap and female empowerment for the win!
I really enjoyed this story. The story of Charlotte and Nix was entertaining by itself, but Beatrice's story stole the show.
So reverse age gap is my fave trope of all, so I knew I would enjoy this hockey romance, but it turned into so much more. There were animal shenanigans which are always a special treat in a Lili Valente book, plenty of steam and heart, along with Beatrice (Nix's baby sister) who we get to watch bloom and grow when she is out from under her horrid ex.
Funny, a bit irreverent fun once again. Fave of the series so far!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
I really enjoyed this story. The story of Charlotte and Nix was entertaining by itself, but Beatrice's story stole the show.
So reverse age gap is my fave trope of all, so I knew I would enjoy this hockey romance, but it turned into so much more. There were animal shenanigans which are always a special treat in a Lili Valente book, plenty of steam and heart, along with Beatrice (Nix's baby sister) who we get to watch bloom and grow when she is out from under her horrid ex.
Funny, a bit irreverent fun once again. Fave of the series so far!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
February 8, 2026
A happy return to catch up with another team member of the NHL team Louisianna Voodoo. This time it's Nix Baylor, who's one night stand with Charlotte was a pretty memorable feature in the previous book.
Three month's later and they're back in each other's orbit. Nix is under threat of suspension following an off ice incident and needs to be seen to be cleaning up his act. Meanwhile, Charlotte needs a plus one to her ex's wedding. Two birds, one stone springs to mind as they both see the advantages of a fake relationship to rehabilitate Nix and be one in the eye for Charlottes cheating ex.
It's no secret that I'm a sucker for a hockey romance, but throw fake dating and a reverse age gap into the mix and I'm all in. I really liked Nix and Charlotte, he wasn't the 'bad' boy he was made out to be and Charlotte deserved more than her wasted years on her ex. Needless to say, nothing about Nix was fake and he was hoping that Charlotte would eventually see that.
With the added bonus of catching up with previous team members, their banter brought humour and balance to the book. Balance, because Nix's sister Beatrice turns to Nix in a crisis, and that in turn brought unexpected drama and suspence to the story.
In short it had everything I anticipated, and some. A perfect blend of hockey, heat and humour with likeable characters, romantic tension and chemistry, plus, more than a hint of intrigue about what's to come in the next book.
Three month's later and they're back in each other's orbit. Nix is under threat of suspension following an off ice incident and needs to be seen to be cleaning up his act. Meanwhile, Charlotte needs a plus one to her ex's wedding. Two birds, one stone springs to mind as they both see the advantages of a fake relationship to rehabilitate Nix and be one in the eye for Charlottes cheating ex.
It's no secret that I'm a sucker for a hockey romance, but throw fake dating and a reverse age gap into the mix and I'm all in. I really liked Nix and Charlotte, he wasn't the 'bad' boy he was made out to be and Charlotte deserved more than her wasted years on her ex. Needless to say, nothing about Nix was fake and he was hoping that Charlotte would eventually see that.
With the added bonus of catching up with previous team members, their banter brought humour and balance to the book. Balance, because Nix's sister Beatrice turns to Nix in a crisis, and that in turn brought unexpected drama and suspence to the story.
In short it had everything I anticipated, and some. A perfect blend of hockey, heat and humour with likeable characters, romantic tension and chemistry, plus, more than a hint of intrigue about what's to come in the next book.
January 25, 2026
loved this
I truly loved this book. I loved that we snuck in that third point of view from bea.. gave more insight on what’s to come. A superb storyline from all sides. Perfect older woman younger man romance. Heat, chemistry it has it all. Loved this so much h.
I truly loved this book. I loved that we snuck in that third point of view from bea.. gave more insight on what’s to come. A superb storyline from all sides. Perfect older woman younger man romance. Heat, chemistry it has it all. Loved this so much h.
January 25, 2026
So much to love in this engaging reverse age-gap hockey romance.
January 27, 2026
Nix gets his woman!
This book picks up a few months after Nix and Charlotte's "meet" at the hot tub. They finally get their HEA, but there are some hard times first. No cheating or break-up, but now we have to wait for Bea and Blue's book.
This book picks up a few months after Nix and Charlotte's "meet" at the hot tub. They finally get their HEA, but there are some hard times first. No cheating or break-up, but now we have to wait for Bea and Blue's book.
January 29, 2026
4.5 stars
April 29, 2026
woohoo
Man I love these stories! Good hockey, good romance and a little bit of drama. I’m looking forward to the next one.
Man I love these stories! Good hockey, good romance and a little bit of drama. I’m looking forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is the third book in the series and follows Nix and Charlotte who we met in the last book as Nix is a player for the Voodoo and Charlotte is a friend of Makena's.
Nix is an intellectual who has struggled to find a partner that understands who he is at heart, while Charlotte is recovering from her protege and exhusband getting married.
The book is written with Lili's usual sassy style, full of emotion, laughs and critters. This was the perfect book to bring me out of a reading slump, in fact I read it in just one day it had me that hooked. I always know that these books will have me wanting to read more.
I like that we also meet Beatrice, Nix's sister and his teammate Blue who we will meet more of in the next book, Beatrice certainly deserves a happy ending.
A must read
This is the third book in the series and follows Nix and Charlotte who we met in the last book as Nix is a player for the Voodoo and Charlotte is a friend of Makena's.
Nix is an intellectual who has struggled to find a partner that understands who he is at heart, while Charlotte is recovering from her protege and exhusband getting married.
The book is written with Lili's usual sassy style, full of emotion, laughs and critters. This was the perfect book to bring me out of a reading slump, in fact I read it in just one day it had me that hooked. I always know that these books will have me wanting to read more.
I like that we also meet Beatrice, Nix's sister and his teammate Blue who we will meet more of in the next book, Beatrice certainly deserves a happy ending.
A must read
March 21, 2026
I was soo excited for their story but her being so harped on the age gap was beyond annoying and straight up disrespectful to him and his character in some her povs! He was down bad from day 1 and I loved that so much I just wish she was as well. Also the random pov of Beatrice was really awkward and took me out, also her whole plot took up way too much of this book I know it's sister but the flow was way off in this one!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews